6.9 / 10 (based on 3919 reviews)
The story begins with amusing attempts of twelfth-grader, Kunal, to woo his classmate, Tara. Kunal finally manages to propose to Tara and their love story begins. After his schooling, Kunal leaves Indore and moves to Mumbai to join a Naval College. Soon his sober life turns upside-down when Tara dumps him for someone else. In no time, Kunal turns into an alcoholic and chain smoker, and without taking admission in the naval college, he moves to a weird rundown room in Darukhana, spending days doing nothing but drinking, smoking, and missing Tara. Later Kunal gets played by Tara once again as things turn up against his fate.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Ritvik Sahore, Vedika Bhandari, Aashay Kulkarni, Tithi Raaj
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 9 episodes, 25-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Indori Ishq (2021)
Flames (2018)
8.9 / 10 (based on 30918 reviews)
A teenage romance from The Timeliners that aims straight from the heart. This web-series is the story of a young romance unfolding as a chemical reaction.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Ritvik Sahore, Tanya Maniktala, Sunakshi Grover, Shivam Kakar
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 10 episodes, 20.0-minute runtime
ImMATURE (2019)
8.7 / 10 (based on 9256 reviews)
A 5-episode coming-of-age story about the many first adventures in a young man’s life. Dhruv is 16, and in a hurry to grow up. With a little help from his school friends, the wannabe bad-boy Kabir, and the color-blind but doesn’t know it Susu, Dhruv sets out to woo the first crush of his life, the feisty, out-of-his-league class topper, Chhavi. Venturing out of their childhood, in their last years of school, the trio find their first drink, pick their first fight and mend their first broken heart.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Rashmi Agdekar, Omkar Kulkarni, Chinmay Chandraunshuh, Visshesh Tiwari
Creators: Sameer Saxena
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 5 episodes, 25.0-minute runtime
Aashram (2020)
7.1 / 10 (based on 34122 reviews)
A duplicitous, aashram based, Indian Godman’s good deeds serve activities criminal and unholy, such as rapes, murders, drugs, vote bank politics and forced male emasculation. The law and a few crusaders investigate to bring him to account.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Bobby Deol, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Aditi Sudhir Pohankar, Darshan Kumaar
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 18 episodes, 45.0-minute runtime
Sunflower (2021)
7.3 / 10 (based on 10247 reviews)
A quirky murder mystery based in a housing society called Sunflower. Its simpleton resident Sonu dives headlong into a murder mystery and becomes the chief suspect. What happens next?
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Main Cast: Sunil Grover, Ashish Vidyarthi, Ranvir Shorey, Girish Kulkarni
Creators: Vikas Bahl
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 8 episodes, 36.0-minute runtime
Awkward Conversations with Girlfriend (2020)
7.3 / 10 (based on 533 reviews)
The chronicles of Ishaan’s awkward conversations with his girlfriend Ananya.
Genre: Comedy
Main Cast: Ritvik Sahore, Rashmi Agdekar, Loveleen Mishra, Simran Natekar
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes
College Romance (2018)
8.4 / 10 (based on 27616 reviews)
Three best friends look for love, laughs and some lifelong memories while attending college together.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Manjot Singh, Apoorva Arora, Keshav Sadhna, Gagan Arora
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 10 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Bicchoo Ka Khel (2020)
7.1 / 10 (based on 19530 reviews)
What happens when a young student loses his father to a cover-up? Can he find it in himself to forget the past and move on, or is revenge the only thing that can give him some peace of mind?
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Main Cast: Divyendu Sharma, Anshul Chauhan, Syed Zeeshan Qadri, Mukul Chadda
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
In the realm of Indian web series, a unique show made its debut in 2021, capturing the attention of viewers with its raw portrayal of love, betrayal, and the subsequent spiral into self-destruction. This show is none other than “Indori Ishq.” Set against the backdrop of Indore, the series dives into the complexities of unrequited love and the dark paths it can lead one down. Below, we explore what makes “Indori Ishq” a standout series in the crowded landscape of Indian television.
The Premise
At its core, “Indori Ishq” is a story about Kunal, a typical boy-next-door, and his journey through love, heartbreak, and the tumultuous aftermath. The narrative kicks off with Kunal’s unbridled love for Tara, his high school sweetheart. However, the plot quickly thickens when he moves to Mumbai for his further studies, and Tara’s infidelity comes to light. What follows is Kunal’s descent into alcoholism and self-destructive behavior, a stark departure from his previously optimistic and love-stricken persona.
Characters and Performances
Kunal
Kunal, portrayed by Ritvik Sahore, is the heart and soul of “Indori Ishq.” Sahore delivers a compelling performance, capturing the innocence of first love and the agony of betrayal with equal finesse. His transformation from a lovestruck teenager to a broken man is both believable and heart-wrenching.
Tara
Tara, played by Vedika Bhandari, is the catalyst for the series’ central conflict. Bhandari’s portrayal of Tara is nuanced, making the audience oscillate between sympathy and frustration towards her character. Her actions, driven by confusion and a quest for self-discovery, paint a realistic picture of how complex relationships can be.
Supporting Cast
The series also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Aashay Kulkarni and Dheer Hira, who play Kunal’s friends. They add depth to the narrative, providing both comedic relief and emotional support to the protagonist.
Themes and Narration
“Indori Ishq” doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of love and relationships. The show delves into themes of infidelity, the impact of heartbreak, and the process of healing. What sets it apart is its unfiltered approach to these subjects, avoiding the sugar-coating often seen in romantic dramas.
Unrequited Love
The series provides a raw look at unrequited love and its consequences. Kunal’s journey is a testament to the pain of loving someone who doesn’t love you back and the lengths one might go to in order to numb that pain.
Self-Destruction
Another significant theme is self-destruction. “Indori Ishq” portrays how heartbreak can lead individuals down a path of self-harm, be it through substance abuse or reckless behavior. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of dealing with emotional pain healthily.
The Road to Recovery
Despite its focus on the darker aspects of love, the series also offers a glimmer of hope. It shows that healing is possible, albeit difficult. The road to recovery is long and winding, but with the right support system and inner resilience, moving on is within reach.
Direction and Cinematography
Samit Kakkad, the director of “Indori Ishq,” does an exceptional job of bringing the story to life. His direction ensures that the narrative flows seamlessly, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish. The cinematography, with its vivid portrayal of both Indore and Mumbai, adds another layer to the storytelling. The contrast between the two cities mirrors Kunal’s internal turmoil and growth throughout the series.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack of “Indori Ishq” deserves a special mention. The music complements the narrative beautifully, accentuating the emotional highs and lows of Kunal’s journey. Each track is carefully selected to match the mood of the scenes, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Why “Indori Ishq” Stands Out
In an era where romantic dramas often tread the same beaten path, “Indori Ishq” offers a fresh perspective. It challenges conventional narratives about love and relationships, presenting a more realistic and sometimes uncomfortable view of romance. The series doesn’t glorify love but instead portrays it in all its messy glory.
Relatability
One of the reasons “Indori Ishq” resonates with viewers is its relatability. The emotions, struggles, and experiences of the characters mirror real-life scenarios, making it easy for the audience to connect with the story. Whether it’s the pain of betrayal or the struggle to move on, there’s something in “Indori Ishq” that everyone can relate to.
Unfiltered Narrative
The series’ unfiltered narrative is another aspect that sets it apart. By not holding back on depicting the uglier sides of love, “Indori Ishq” offers a more honest and impactful story. This approach not only makes for a compelling watch but also sparks conversations about topics often considered taboo.
Conclusion
“Indori Ishq” is a refreshing take on love, heartbreak, and healing. Its realistic portrayal of relationships, coupled with strong performances and a gripping narrative, makes it a must-watch. The series doesn’t offer easy answers but instead presents a mirror to the complexities of love in the modern world. For anyone looking for a story that goes beyond the fairy-tale romance, “Indori Ishq” is a perfect choice.